Exercising When Sick

So it's been in the news for a couple of weeks now. Dare I mention it again? Okay, I will say it. Swine Flu.

Okay I said it! Now, with that in mind, I thought I would share a quick answer to the age old question: "Should I exercise when I am sick?"

When I was taking lessons in Choy Li Fut Kung Fu, my instructor Mr. Richman told me two simple rules:

1) If it's above the neck, say a runny nose or sore throat, go ahead and exercise! It might even make you feel better. It might make you have more energy and relieve some of the congestions. For me personally, I have found that that is most often the case. But of course, listen to your body, if it's telling you that you shouldn't go on, get some rest. Make sure that it's your body telling you though and not just your mind.

2)If it's below the neck, say a cough that originates from your lungs or you have naseau in your stomach, take a rest. I also read recently that exercising with a fever is not recommended; there have been links to inflamation of the heart.

Two easy rules to continuing to exercise or not when you are ill.

Again, I hope that was helpful!